Why Does My Mouse Keep Disconnecting?

Whether you are playing a game or working on your computer, dealing with the mouse disconnecting from time to time can be frustrating. It doesn’t matter the brand or whether the mouse is wired or wireless; this issue can happen to any mouse for several reasons. So, why would a mouse keep disconnecting? 

The good news is that if you are facing this issue, you can easily fix it yourself by trying a couple of troubleshooting tricks. This guide enumerates a few troubleshooting tricks you can use when your mouse keeps disconnecting. 

What Causes a Mouse To Keep Disconnecting?

Most users report that the issue of a mouse disconnecting followed by reconnection is prevalent when an older model mouse using the PS/2 port, Bluetooth mouse, or a new USB mouse is used on Windows 10. This section will explore the cause of this issue and an easy-to-implement solution. 

Reason #1: Low or Faulty Batteries 

If you use a wireless mouse, a low or faulty battery can cause it to disconnect and reconnect from time to time. Since the batteries on most wireless mice are not rechargeable, you have to replace the battery. 

Here’s how to troubleshoot a mouse by checking its battery: 

1. If you use a chargeable mouse, plug it in with the correct adapter and leave it for a couple of minutes to recharge. 
2. If you try to use the mouse after a couple of minutes and the problem persists, try replacing the battery. 
3. To replace the battery on a mouse, open the battery compartment, usually located underneath the mouse. 
4. Remove the old battery, insert a new one, and close the battery compartment. 

Reason #2: Faulty USB 

Another thing that can cause this issue could be the intermittent cable or USB port on the computer. No doubt, when the USB port on your computer is faulty, the mouse will either not connect or will experience this issue of disconnecting and connecting. Similarly, when the intermittent cable of the mouse is defective, you will experience the same problem. 

Here’s how to troubleshoot a mouse by checking if its USB is faulty: 

1. Try plugging the mouse into another USB port on your computer; if the problem stops, the USB port on your computer is faulty. 
2. Try lifting the mouse while it is connected to the computer; if it disconnects, the cable is faulty.

Reason #3: Corrupted Drivers 

Sometimes, this issue could arise when the mouse driver is faulty, incomplete, or outdated. Most of the time, this problem could occur if you install the wrong mouse driver during a system update. You can resolve this issue by uninstalling the driver and installing the updated version from the official website of the mouse manufacturer. 

Here’s how to troubleshoot a mouse by updating its driver: 

1. Press and hold the Window key and then press the “R” key to run a dialog box. 
2. In the dialog box, type in “devmgmt.ms” and press “Enter” to open the “Device Manager” window. 
3. Expand the “Mice and Other Point Devices” option.
4. Right-click on the mouse listed under that option and select “Properties.” 
5. Navigate to the “Driver” tab and tap on the “Uninstall Driver” option. 
6. When uninstall is complete, open your local browser and search for the driver for the brand and model of mouse you are using. 
7. Get the installation executable and download it. 
8. Run the driver and follow the installation process. 
9. Reboot your computer once the installation is complete.  

Reason #4: Check the USB Power Management Settings 

Windows have a useful feature where you can turn off certain aspects of your computer to preserve its battery. This feature is called the Power Management Settings. And sometimes, when this feature is enabled, it could also turn off the USB. 

Here’s how to troubleshoot a mouse by checking the USB Power Management Settings: 

1. Press and hold the Window key and then press the “R” key to run a dialog box. 
2. In the dialog box, type in “devmgmt.ms” and press “Enter” to open the “Device Manager” window. 
3. Expand the “Universal Serial Bus Controller” option. 
4. Right-click on the USB you have the mouse connected to in the listing and select “Properties.” 
5. Navigate to the “Power Management” tab and uncheck the box that says, “Allow The Computer To Turn Off This Device To Save Power.” 

Reason #5: Electronic Interference 

Sometimes, especially when using a wireless mouse, it can be interfered with by other devices that run on the same frequency. During such interferences, you will partially lose the connection of the mouse with your computer. 

Here’s how to troubleshoot a mouse by checking for electronic interference: 

1. Turn off other electronic devices around your computer, such as a router, Bluetooth speaker, AI, light, etc. 
2. If the random mouse disconnecting and connecting stops, then the issue is a result of electronic interference. 

Reason #6: USB Suspend Option Is Enabled

The Windows USB selective suspend is yet another of its power-saving features. However, it will disconnect connections with peripherals like the mouse. By disabling this feature, it should get rid of the mouse disconnecting and reconnecting issue. 

Here’s how to troubleshoot a mouse by checking if the USB suspended option is enabled:

1. Press and hold the Window key and then press the “R” key to run a dialog box. 
2. In the dialog box, type in “powercfg.cpl” and press enter to open the “Device Manager” window. 
3. Go to the power plan enabled on your device and tap on “Change Plan Settings.”
4. Select the “Change Advanced Power Setting” option and look for USB settings. 
5. Expand the USB selective suspend settings and set it to disable. 
6. Click “Apply” and then select “OK” to finish. 

Reason #7: OS Bug 

Sometimes, when the Windows on your computer is outdated and requires an update, you could be experiencing several issues with it. One could be that the mouse would keep disconnecting and reconnecting. To fix this issue, you need to install all pending updates.   

Here’s how to troubleshoot a mouse by updating its OS: 

1. Open the Settings app on your Windows computer. 
2. Tap on the “Update & Security” option.
3. In the “Update & Security” menu, tap on the “Windows Update” option and the option “Check For Update.” 

Summary

So, that’s all about it! Anytime you are experiencing your mouse disconnecting and reconnecting, try using one of the troubleshooting tips shared in this article. If your mouse is not damaged, one of the troubleshooting tips should fix the issue.